Fresno to restrict soliciting cash on street medians

Soliciting donations from Fresno street medians would be limited under a measure endorsed Thursday by the City Council.

The measure, which is expected to return Feb. 11 for a final vote, would require anyone who wants to solicit from a street median to get a city permit and provide proof of insurance. It also would limit the person to one day of solicitations every six months. The law would not affect soliciting from street corners.

The ordinance addresses a growing trend that is apparent to almost everyone who drives or walks Fresno's major streets -- the presence of people, often the homeless, on median islands with signs asking motorists for money.

But city officials said the ordinance should not impede community groups from soliciting donations.